Hard News: Because I am weak
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Lets try some reframing, it’s not a stadium, it’s a destination, a place of worship, a coliseum, a catalyst for change and regeneration, our “other place”, a place of work, a place for education, for accommodation, a place to eat, have a drink, catch a show, view the boats on the harbour, impress the relatives and friends especially those from out of town and overseas and oh yah, host the odd rugby game.
There are something’s money can’t buy, for most of the above there’s the government -
At first I was against the building a stadium at the waterfront, thinking it was a waste of what is some of the most beautiful harbourside land in the world.
But after listening to all the palaver going on between all the unbiased parties, I have changed my mind for one simple reason.
It's better than nothing because I believe if the stadium is not built now - then nothing will never happen at the waterfront.
So, if it is designed well, can be completed on time and won't sink into the harbour like Atlantis, then I am 100% behind the building of Stadium Aotearoa at the Auckland waterfront.
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Something I have yet to hear information on (and I've heard a lot of the same crap repeated over and over in the media in the past few weeks) is if Eden Park is upgraded, who this would affect the sports that are played there.
That is, if the waterfront option went ahead, presumably rugby and cricket etc could continue at Eden Park until the new stadium opened.
If Eden Park were upgraded, would there be times the ground would be unavailable, or major parts of the grandstand unavailable at times it was needed?
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I'm sorry, but have you seen what's there now? It's a carpark for used Japanese vehicles and a mooring for the huge vessels that carry them there. It's behind a 10-foot iron fence, and offers no public view whatsoever of the harbour.
Yesteray I stood at the Britomart bus terminal and looked out across the road and saw North Head and Rangitoto quite clearly and easily. The view is fantastic! To be "in the city" yet feel some connection to the Hauraki Gulf and Rangitoto is very special. The view would be improved by removing the other obstructions but as-it-is-now the view is significant and beautiful IMHO.
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The thing I find most entertaining - and which quite surprises me, in truth - is that I'm struggling to find anyone in little old Welly who is opposed to the stadium - in either location.
For once, there seems to be broad agreement that (a) a new/improved stadium is A Good Idea, and (b) that we (in that collective taxpayer sense) should all help pay for it. I've yet to meet anyone who is a complete naysayer. Not to say they don't exist, of course ...
And the spectacle of Auckland trying to make a decision within a couple of weeks .... hey, it's better than any plot twist a Shortland Street scriptwriter could dream up.
So whatever you lot decide, I suspect the rest of the country will be happy to write out the cheque.
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Oh well, it looks as though there is more political capital to be made out of being a naysayer so Eden Park it is.
Chris says "Yesteray I stood at the Britomart bus terminal and looked out across the road and saw North Head and Rangitoto quite clearly and easily".
What, do you have X-ray specs that can see through buldings now? I am sure that big red thing, would have at least partially obstructed your magnificent view, and what about the hotel thingy on the wharf to the left, not to forget the ferry terminal and, oh a port.
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If Eden Park were upgraded, would there be times the ground would be unavailable, or major parts of the grandstand unavailable at times it was needed?
You'd lose Eden Park No.2, where most of the cricket is actually played, immediately, and you wouldn't get it back. I assume the rest of it would be managed somehow but it would be difficult.
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It's difficult to keep track without being an obsessive news-junkie, but I don't seem to have heard anyone asking the hard questions about the mess Eden Park is currently in.
Apparently they have such large debt that they are overcapitalised if they want to re-develop the site as housing or industrial, and are looking to the enlargement, funded from outside, to make the stadium viable again. There seem to be messy lines of accountability around the Trust Board and the actual proprietors, though they clearly have good PR advice.
btw, I am an Auckland City ratepayer, am not keen on the Waterfront solution, and all-in-all Christchurch sounds the best bet at the moment.
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What I really want to know is what "Auckland's Design Guardians" have been doing for the last 20 years while all manner of crap has been bulit anywhere and everywhere.
Let's face it, Auckland as a whole can't even agree to chop a tree down without expending vast quantities of effort and angst. I think a nice unilateral decision from Wellington would make a whole lot of sense.
While I'm at it, how can you possibly have the gall to stand up and abuse the company (Fletchers) of which you are a part-owner for gaining a multi-million dollar contract for which really there are no moral issues involved at all? and that's speaking as a socialist (possibly former the older I get ...)
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It's difficult to keep track without being an obsessive news-junkie, but I don't seem to have heard anyone asking the hard questions about the mess Eden Park is currently in.
Well, I know some Herald reporters are reading ...
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Hi Tamaki
Yup I agree the thread is over - I do so love seeing people who know a little history - even history of the net:). Everyone is repeating themselves now. I certainly don't know enough to be sure I'm right in my opinion and I haven't seen anything here to indicate anyone else is certain either:).
cheers
Bart -
I'm 110% certain that they should build a waterfront stadium. Or is that 120% these days? I'm just waiting for our next sporting champion to say he is going to give 1000% effort. It'll be like the four minute mile only for illiterate people.
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No Don , Chris does not have x-ray specs , I can see North Head as well,but as Chris said " The view would be improved by removing the other obstructions ".
But I'm not sure what RB 's on about when he says the area concerned "offers no public view whatsoever of the harbour". -
Well, I know some Herald reporters are reading ...
They read? You mean they don't just regurgitate garth georges cast offs?
Could've fooled me. Ahh well I have fond memories of papers that used to fact check.
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Lets build the wickedest coolest best looking stadium that polarises the entire nation. Like the man said many moons ago, Kick her in the guts Trev!
Build it and they will come. This isn't about rugby, it's not about apartment dwellers complaining about loss of sightlines living in apartments that have built out others sightlines. It's not about politicians lining up for a legacy. Its about an iconic national events centre for sporting, cultural, musical and even social gatherings, we don't have anything that is truly world class in terms of stadia in auckland, sorry eden park but 16 odd games a year, no concerts and a curfew just doesn't cut it anymore. $4 for a pie doesn't help your cause either.
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